Pocketful of Quarters - Joe Stamm Band

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In April 2020, Charlie’s wife and friends asked me to write a song. A song for Charlie. A song about Charlie. Charlie is a fan, turned friend, just like many of you. His favorite song is “Dandelion Woman," he grins a lot, and he’s got the personality of a firecracker. He’s fierce in his pride, and his pride is in family, over-the-road trucking, and America.

When I sat down to write this song, I looked at his Facebook profile and I found this post:

“40 years of my life…did this many a night. I remember a simpler time. A time when you checked in twice a day with your girl and your dispatcher. A time when the CB radio and face-to-face was the only communication you had. A time when you had trust in your relationship, your friendships, and the driver sitting next to you at the diner counter.

“You had nothing but an atlas, and the word of a fellow trucker that ‘had been to that spot before.’ You had to have knowledge, skill, strength, and experience behind you to do the job. The lifeline was the CB or calling from a payphone. Just had to make sure you had enough quarters to finish the call.

“This career was not a job, it was a lifestyle. You didn’t do it for the paycheck. You did it for the proud status of being a TRUCKER. You did it to see AMERICA.

“We stand tall, roll hard, and glow with pride!”

On the morning of July 24, 2021, thirteen days before this song and video released, Charlie slipped away, ending his battle with cancer. But I don’t think he’s really gone. I think he’ll always be out there on them highways, faintly in the wind, or maybe sitting next to you at the diner.

One thing is certain - Charlie will always be #americastrucker

“Pocketful of Quarters” released everywhere 8/6/2021 and is the lead track on JSB’s album, Midwest Town, releasing in full on 9/10/2021. For CDs and Vinyl, go to joestammband.com.merch